Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Onicas Gaddis . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Onicas , appreciate you joining us today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?
At seven years old I knew I was an artist and no one could convince me otherwise. I’ve always felt misunderstood because of what I am. I learned at an early age that being an artist takes courage. Several people told me that I am waisting my life on this “dream” that will never happen. I often wonder what it would’ve been like to grow up in a loving home with encouraging and supportive parents. I learned that I had to believe in myself even if no one else did.
Onicas , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Artist Onicas Gaddis is an American visionary painter, and calls his style Spiritual Expressionism, which describes his work in general terms, but merely touches at describing the depth and breadth of where his paintings come from.
Onicas has been painting for over twenty years, having had the privilege to study under master abstract expressionist painter Sarah Carlisle Towery, namesake of the Alabama Art Colony. He discovered his talents at drawing after an artist visited one of many group homes he had lived in as a child. He knew he had found a purpose for living here in a world that was most often not a very kind nor happy place for him. Art literally saved his life.
From his early work drawing portraits, he moved to painting. While living in Florida, he was inspired to tap into his Florida Highwayman heritage (his uncle was one of the original traveling landscape artists of the 1950s). But it was the time spent at the Alabama Art Colony that truly taught Onicas how to put the paint to the canvas, give up on any idea of a finished piece, and simply allow the spirit of the painting to flow through him.
Gaddis works on canvas, paper, and wood, using primarily acrylics. His brilliantly-colored abstracts are characterized by somewhat haunting images of faces and figures, restless, gestural lines and layers plus semi-hidden landscapes, perhaps a synthesis of his explorations with portraiture, landscape, and abstract studies. When looking at any of his paintings overtime, the viewer will discover forms and figures that seem to remain in an ever-changing process of moving and settling and coming into definition.
His work has been displayed and sold in galleries throughout the southeastern United States, including a 2020 piece recently added to the permanent collection in the Black Mountain College Museum and Art Center in Asheville, NC. You can view and inquire about his work at:
www.onicasart.com
“….I can’t explain my style of painting. I paint from my heart.” – Onicas
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the fact that I can actually say that I am an artist. Whenever I was asked the question what do I want to be when I grew up, the answer was always an artist. Also, when I see people that have had my work in their home for years and they tell me how much they’ve enjoyed living with my art.
It’s the best feeling in the world.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
I can say that the best way to support an artist is to buy their work.
Contact Info:
- Website: WWW.ONICASART.COM
- Instagram: @onicasgaddis
- Facebook: @onicasgaddis